Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy

The Lee Clinic is the premier clinic in Northern Virginia for natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Hormonal decline is a major driver of the aging process. BHRT brings the hormonal levels back into balance. 

Hormones fall out of balance over time

Mother nature wanted to develop a very powerful system that would encourage us to continue the species. Over time, this system can decline and/or become unbalanced. This can be caused by aging and also by environmental influences such as plastics, pesticides, and hormones in the meats, which act like estrogen (xenoestrogens) and disrupt hormones in both men and women.

Key hormones for women and men

Key hormones for WOMEN and the effects of their imbalance

  • Estrone, Estradiol, Estriol
  • Progesterone
  • DHEA
  • Testosterone

A decrease in or imbalance of the above hormones can result in:

  • premenstrual symptoms
  • menstrual problems and irregularity
  • infertility
  • hot flashes
  • night sweats
  • low sex drive
  • polycystic ovary syndrome
  • fibroids or ovarian cysts
  • endometriosis
  • weight gain
  • mood swings
  • memory loss
  • insomnia
  • depression
  • fatigue

Key hormones for MEN and the effects of their imbalance

  • Testosterone
  • DHT (the stronger testosterone)
  • Estrogen
  • DHEA

Men experience a gradual decrease in hormones with age, approximately 2% a year beginning after the age of 25. A decrease in or imbalance of the above hormones can result in:

  • prostate problems
  • decreased sex drive or performance
  • loss of muscle mass
  • depression (men over 50 have a 3x higher rate of depression than younger men)
  • hair loss
  • fatigue
  • urinary problems
  • memory loss
  • sleep disorders
  • weight gain
  • cardiac perfusion
  • decrease in linear thinking
  • reduced hand-eye coordination

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy restores hormonal balance

Hormonal balance is vital. Hormone ratios are what make us male or female, and these ratios need to be maintained for optimal health. We test hormone levels with saliva testing, which is the most accurate. We also evaluate the signs and symptoms and listen to the patient, and then we treat if needed with biodentical hormones from a compounding pharmacy. Bioidentical hormones compounded in these pharmacies are identical to the hormones present in the human body, unlike synthetic hormones, which are chemicals with hormone like effects. 

"I became interested in natural hormones in the early 1990's when women would come in and say that they were ‘not themselves’. They had been to several doctors and had been given synthetic hormones, anti-depressants, sleeping pills, and/or a pat on the head. Intuitively these women knew that it was a hormonal problem. At this time Anti-Aging Medicine was just beginning and the more I read about it, the more sense it made. As I went to conferences and then applied its principles to my practice the more convinced I became. It has become the most powerful and rewarding treatment that I do in our practice." 

– Dr. William M Lee, MD

How do we know which of my hormones are out of balance?

A salivary hormone test finds which hormones are out of balance. saliva hormone testing is a more sensitive and cost-effective way to detect your bio-available hormones. You can take these tests yourself in the privacy of your home for $320 ($580 if the test for Cortisol is included).

Are the hormone creams tailored to me specifically?

Yes. Based on your test results, a compounding pharmacy will develop bioidentical hormone creams specifically designed for you. Because bioidentical hormones have the same chemical structure, they can be metabolized properly by our bodies.

Why bioidentical hormones instead of synthetic hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are derived from naturally occurring sources, such as yams and soy, and are designed to replicate the same chemical structure as the hormones that are produced naturally by your body.

Synthetic hormones (sometime derived from pregnant horse urine), on the other hand, are designed differently by drug companies because bioidentical structures cannot be patented. Synthetic hormones have unfavorable side effects, take weeks to detox from the body, and do not produce many of the beneficial side effects that natural hormones do.  Studies have shown that synthetic hormones increase the risk of cancer, strokes and heart disease, whereas bioidentical hormones have been shown to reduce those risks. 

Where can I learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and hormone imbalance in general?

  • Superhormone Promise, by William Regelston M.D. (Information about DHEA)
  • Natural Hormonal Balance for Women, by Uzzi Reiss M.D.
  • Keeping Abreast, by Khalid Mahmud, M.D., F.A.C.P.

How can I get started with BHRT?

The Lee Clinic has been helping patients feel like themselves again for over 30 years. Simply call The Lee Clinic at 540-542-1700 to schedule an introductory appointment today or send us your information, and we'll get back to you shortly.

And click here for an overview on natural hormone replacement therapy to print and keep.